What is Intuitive Eating?

 

Intuitive eating is a self-care framework that encourages individuals to listen to their bodies and make food choices based on internal cues rather than external rules or diet plans.​

 

The Principles of Intuitive Eating

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1. Reject the Diet Mentality: Let go of the belief that there’s a “perfect” diet or a quick fix for weight loss. Rejecting diet culture allows you to free yourself from the cycle of restriction and bingeing.

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2. Honor Your Hunger: Recognize and respect your body’s hunger signals. Eating when you’re hungry not only fuels your body but also reinforces trust in your own instincts.

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3. Make Peace with Food: Give yourself permission to eat what you want without guilt or shame. This principle helps eliminate the allure of forbidden foods and fosters a sense of freedom in your eating choices.

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4. Challenge the Food Police: Confront the negative thoughts that dictate what you “should” or “should not” eat. By silencing this inner critic, you create a more compassionate and supportive mindset toward yourself.

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5. Feel Your Fullness: Learn to listen to your body’s signals of fullness. This involves paying attention to physical sensations and stopping when you feel satisfied, rather than continuing to eat until you’re stuffed.

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6. Discover the Satisfaction Factor: Find joy and pleasure in your meals. Eating foods you enjoy enhances satisfaction and can help prevent overeating, as you’re more likely to feel fulfilled.

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7. Honor Your Feelings Without Using Food: Recognize that emotional eating is a valid behavior but can be addressed through other coping mechanisms. Learn to identify your feelings and develop healthier strategies for emotional self-care.

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8. Respect Your Body: Embrace body diversity and accept that every body is unique. By respecting your body, you can cultivate a more positive body image and increase self-acceptance.

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9. Exercise—Feel the Difference: Shift your focus from exercising to lose weight to enjoying movement that makes you feel good. Find physical activities that you love, which can boost your mood and overall well-being.

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10. Honor Your Health—Gentle Nutrition: Make food choices that honor your health without rigid rules. This principle encourages balance, variety, and mindfulness in nutrition without the pressure of strict dieting.
 

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